Scouting Idaho

Published: Monday, August 25, 2014 at 12:41 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 25, 2014 at 12:41 p.m.

Idaho

Location: Moscow, Idaho.

Enrollment: 12,493.

Conference: Sun Belt (first season).

Nickname: Vandals.

Head coach: Paul Petrino, second season, 1-11 at Idaho.

Last season: It was pretty much a nightmare start for Petrino in his first season. The Vandals were close to inept offensively. They had almost no ground game and managed to score only 18.2 points a game and average just 368.3 yards a game. Idaho did have some success in the passing game, led by wide receiver Dezmon Epps, who caught 79 passes for 980 yards and four touchdowns. The Idaho defense was one of the most porous in the nation, giving up 46.8 points and 529.4 yards a game. Opposing offenses threw for an average of 315.8 yards a game. The Vandals only win came at home against Temple, a 26-24 victory late in the season. There were some huge losses, including an 80-14 drubbing by No. 1 Florida State and a 59-14 rout at Ole Miss.

Best offensive player: Quarterback Chad Chalich threw for 1,224 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman last season, but he's been in a close battle with redshirt freshman Matt Linehan for the starting role throughout the preseason. There's a good chance both quarterbacks will play in Saturday's game.

Best defensive player: Defensive tackle Quayshawne Buckley can be a dominant player. He led the Vandals in tackles for loss last season with 16, to go along with seven sacks.

Key loss: Star wide receiver Dezmon Epps was dismissed from the team in July for violating team rules. He was the only established playmaker on offense and also was a threat as a kickoff and punt returner.

Best player in school history: Offensive lineman Jerry Kramer, who went on to become a five-time All-Pro for the Green Bay Packers.

<p><b>Idaho</b></p><p><b>Location:</b> Moscow, Idaho.</p><p><b>Enrollment:</b> 12,493.</p><p><b>Conference:</b> Sun Belt (first season).</p><p><b>Nickname:</b> Vandals.</p><p><b>Head coach:</b> Paul Petrino, second season, 1-11 at Idaho.</p><p><b>Last season:</b> It was pretty much a nightmare start for Petrino in his first season. The Vandals were close to inept offensively. They had almost no ground game and managed to score only 18.2 points a game and average just 368.3 yards a game. Idaho did have some success in the passing game, led by wide receiver Dezmon Epps, who caught 79 passes for 980 yards and four touchdowns. The Idaho defense was one of the most porous in the nation, giving up 46.8 points and 529.4 yards a game. Opposing offenses threw for an average of 315.8 yards a game. The Vandals only win came at home against Temple, a 26-24 victory late in the season. There were some huge losses, including an 80-14 drubbing by No. 1 Florida State and a 59-14 rout at Ole Miss.</p><p><b>Best offensive player:</b> Quarterback Chad Chalich threw for 1,224 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman last season, but he's been in a close battle with redshirt freshman Matt Linehan for the starting role throughout the preseason. There's a good chance both quarterbacks will play in Saturday's game.</p><p><b>Best defensive player:</b> Defensive tackle Quayshawne Buckley can be a dominant player. He led the Vandals in tackles for loss last season with 16, to go along with seven sacks.</p><p><b>Key loss:</b> Star wide receiver Dezmon Epps was dismissed from the team in July for violating team rules. He was the only established playmaker on offense and also was a threat as a kickoff and punt returner.</p><p><b>Best player in school history:</b> Offensive lineman Jerry Kramer, who went on to become a five-time All-Pro for the Green Bay Packers.</p>